The Mythical Context of Magic as an influential power on the plot development in Thomas Malory's Le Morte Darthur

Baker Mohammad Jamil Bani-Khair

doi:10.7575/aiac.alls.v.8n.6p.155

Abstract

This paper studies the mythical context of magic in Thomas Malory's Le Morte Darthur through a critical lens that focuses the light on plot development and the use of suspense throughout the novel. The study places the emphasis on a major character named "Merlyn" who seems to have a great influence on the plot and actions of the novel through his devilish and mythical prophecies about characters and places. The context of magic is quite essential in understanding the nature and structure of fantasies that all yield a huge amount of suspense, in addition to its historical, social, and traditional significance.

Highlights

This paper discusses the representations of magic represented by the major character in Thomas Malory’s Le Morte Darthur (1485) and its influence on the plot development
This paper studies the mythical context of magic in Thomas Malory’s Le Morte Darthur through a critical lens that focuses the light on plot development and the use of suspense throughout the novel
The fictional and supernatural themes and contexts do not stop at a point where magic is seen as an imaginative force that can change actual realities and plots, but they extend to include certain mythological implications that we see throughout the romance

Summary

INTRODUCTION

This paper discusses the representations of magic represented by the major character in Thomas Malory’s Le Morte Darthur (1485) and its influence on the plot development. The richness and dominance of this theme throughout the romance creates a sense of suspense and makes the plot moves forward in accordance with this issue This mythical context is primarily represented by magic as a fictional power of influence that signifies a legend and helps to develop the plot into real actions and visible incidents that promote suspense, and capture attention. Enough, magic and prophecy seem to overlap with each other from the very beginning of the story They appear as one issue in terms of their significance and influence in moving the plot forward. Merlin is depicted as a designer of the plot who can change and replace whatever he wants He appears as the one, who can anticipate the very far future, foretells future of the kingdom and the people and interferes with the political and social events, and even manipulates things as he wishes because of the invincible power he seizes. The romance seems as a story of magic that tells the story of a magician and his prophecies rather than being a story of a king and his kingdom

DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

CONCLUSION